JM: When did you get started crocheting?

GINGER:
I was surrounded by creativity as I was growing up. My mother, grandmother and great grandmother
were always creating dolls, quilts, clothing, etc. Each taught me a little of each craft. I learned
to sew and crochet at a very young age - I even remember "dabbling" as a toddler. I believe I was
around 5 years old when I crocheted my first "real" project - a little shawl that I still have,
put away in my closet. I look at it now, and get a good giggle at how silly it looks!

JM: What are your favorite types of yarn to work with?

GINGER: It's very hard to choose a favorite with all the wonderful yarns available now!
Even some of the new acrylics are fantastic - long gone are the days when they were all stiff and itchy!
However, I do like to use 100% cotton and cotton blends the most. I've recently purchased some of the
more costly imported cottons for some "me" projects, and am LOVING them!

JM: When did you start selling your designs on eBay?

GINGER: I've been on eBay for almost 6 years now, but didn't discover the Children's
Boutique "community" until late 2003. I do have a registered website, but the only thing there right now
is the home page. eBay and my fabulous customers keep me quite busy with very little time to devote to my site.

What did you do before eBay?

GINGER:I was a SAHM until my youngest son started 1st grade. I then went to school and received my real estate license,
but never sold real estate. I worked in title insurance, commercial property appraisals and industrial property
management. I left my job in 2001, and have never looked back. Keeping a comfortable home for my family, and
creating on a daily basis are what I was meant to do!

JM: Do you remember the first item you sold on eBay? How much did it sell for?

GINGER:I don't remember the first boutique item I sold on eBay...probably a pair of socks, embellished with my hand
crocheted appliques and lace.

JM: How did come up with your name, Gingersnap?

GINGER: As a kid, I was called every "Ginger" nickname you can think of - from Gingerbread
to Ginger "the movie star" from Gilligan's Island. I just chose the one I liked best....the one that had some
"snap" to it! Not very creative, I know!

GINGER:
I am one of the founding members of PZAZ Boutique - a small, and very close knit
group of friends. We love to chat and bounce ideas off of each other. I am also a new member of
Stylehouse - they have been wonderful and have welcomed me with open arms.
Both groups inspire me, make me want to be the best I can be at my craft, and bring lots of love
and laughter to each and every day!

JM: What is your favorite thing to create?

GINGER:When it comes to crocheting, I probably don't have one favorite thing
to make - I just love to crochet! Lately I've been creating a lot of play food and toy items and
can honestly say that I am having a great time with them. They have brought out the inner child in me!

JM: If you could learn some new skills, what would they be?

GINGER:
I would love to learn to restore and refinish antiques. I have my husband's great grandmother's
treadle sewing machine...the machine and hardware are in almost perfect condition, but the cabinet
is in desperate need of a makeover. Once I learn to restore and refinish, I'll be adding one more
addiction to my list...antique hunting!

JM: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

GINGER:My husband and I are both of Scottish and Irish descent, and we plan
to visit Scotland and Ireland when we retire. It has always been a dream of mine to explore the
castles and kiss the Blarney Stone!

JM: What other things do you enjoy besides creating?

GINGER: I absolutely love to sew!!! However, crochet work keeps me hopping, so sewing
time is limited. I am hoping to do more sets with both crocheted and sewn work in the future. I love to read,
play with graphics on the computer, and bake. Of course, I also love spending time with my family. It is extra
special now when our boys come to visit - they have flown the nest, all in different directions...I become as
excited as a child at Christmas when I know they are coming home!

JM: Anything else you would like to add?

GINGER:Thank you, Amy! I am extremely honored and flattered that you wanted to interview me!
I absolutely adore Journal Modiste - I visit daily, sometimes more than once! I also want to thank all of my
boutique friends and customers - without all of you, none of this would be possible.

Do you have a question that you are dying to ask Ginger? Comment about something she said or designed?
Post it here and she will answer it!

Leave a comment:

Enter security code: 1972 >>>

Comments

Jennifer~Jaybird | Wednesday, May 3, 2006 3:29 PM | flag
Congrats on the feature sweetie!!! You are such an awesome designer and my own inspiration for starting my little boutique crochet biz!!! thank you for being such a wonderful friend!!! Luv ya!!!

Ginger | Wednesday, May 3, 2006 2:04 PM | flag
Thanks so much everyone!!! I'm so flattered! **blushing**
Sara - one top is up for auction right now...more as soon as I find some free time! ;-)

| Tuesday, May 2, 2006 10:41 PM | flag
Ginger - I absolutely love your work!!!! You are so very talented and everything you make is flawless!!!

Mandy(thepaintedprincess) | Tuesday, May 2, 2006 2:09 PM | flag
Awesome Ginger! I'm so happy for you sweet sister friend! You are such an amaing designer and friend! Love everything you do!

Sara (crabby*g) | Tuesday, May 2, 2006 12:24 PM | flag
Wahoo Ginger! I was so excited to see you featured and it is very much deserved! Love your tea set!! Any chance you'll be listing some crochet halters soon?? LOL :o)

Bethany (ruby_and_ida*s) | Tuesday, May 2, 2006 12:08 PM | flag
Adorable items. I am in LOVE with the tea set-wow, what a lot of talent you have. Congrats on the interview.